Great Is Our Gratitude

​In this season of giving and sharing, the air is filled with hearts that reach to those in need.  Also, in reciprocation the recipients respond with gratitude (most of the time).  It always warms the heart to extend the gift of kindness and blessing and receiving back in return- gratitude; because that is a natural response.  Gratitude is much like the pain we feel when we lose a loved one.  I have found there seems to be a direct correlation between the pain we feel, and the love we had for the person.  Without question, the greater the love- the greater the pain; and according to God, so shall it be with gratitude.  Great blessings deserve great gratitude.  A blessing the magnitude of Calvary, demands and deserves a life of gratitude in thanksgiving back to God.  But how?  How can we demonstrate this gratitude we feel in our hearts for the gift of salvation we have received?  The answer is simple in words, but challenging in practice.  We live it!!  Everyday as we go about our day, gratitude demands that we show the love of Jesus in all we do.  The fruit of the spirit should be evident in our speech, our actions, our footsteps, our communication and our heart.  That is how our gratitude looks to God.  Jesus put it this way, if you love me you will keep my commands.  Paul reminds us in Philippians that we are to have the mind of Christ.  He also told us in Romans 12, that we are to RENEW our mind.  Gratitude this season is much more than sitting around a table stuffed with food of every kind, reciting what we are thankful for.  It’s more.  It’s a dedicated life to Christ, that sings his praises for saving us.  Let us strive to live a life of great gratitude.
 
Blessings.
Lamar